S.P.A.R.K. member James wrote this great piece about the General Radio he recently restored, enjoy!

“In 2006, Ed App gave me a General Television radio he had found in an old barn and I knew it would be an excellent restoration project. The pictures chronicle the restoration progress of the case and electronics. It was missing the back and I saw it as an opportunity to try out an idea of creating an acrylic back that would allow you to view the glowing tubes and electronics within. The radio turned out to have excellent sound and sensitivity and looked gorgeous restored. The brand was apparently very highly regarded and pricey in the 1940s from what people tell me. I remember I decided to bring it down to a regional Christmas party in Cincinnati that year and give the restored radio its public debut. I walked up to Ed and I remember he just stared at it with big eyes. I could almost hear him thinking "is that, no it can't be, Oh my God it is"! That was the ultimate compliment for me. Then a radio enthusiast of the Cincinnati radio club C.A.R.S saw it, loved it, and with my permission grabbed it and ran it around showing it to various people! All in all, the restored radio had a very successful debut bringing joy and happiness to all. James Silhacek”

You can follow the restoration process in the images James shared with us below.

Radio courtesy of James, SPARK memberPhotos and Article courtesy of James, SPARK members